Domingo Germán threw the 24th perfect game in MLB history, shutting down the A’s in Oakland for the first perfect game since 2012. The Yankees right-hander needed just 99 pitches to retire all 27 batters, using a mix of fastballs, changeups, and his tight curveball to keep hitters off balance. He leaned heavily on his curve in the later innings, showing confidence and precision. His catcher, Kyle Higashioka, called a smart game behind the plate and has now caught both a no-hitter and a perfect game.
The Yankees backed Germán with 11 runs, so he had time to stay loose between innings, seen talking through pitch plans with pitching coach Matt Blake. At one point, there was a light moment where Blake checked Germán’s hand for stickiness after a previous suspension. The defense didn’t have to make too many tough plays, but Anthony Rizzo had one sharp grounder to handle cleanly. In the final inning, the last out came on a ground ball to third, followed by a team-wide celebration.
Postgame, Germán was mobbed by teammates. Rizzo handed him the game ball. Gerrit Cole gave him a long, proud hug. Blake embraced him like a mentor, and Higashioka shared several emotional moments, with other catchers and coaches giving him props as well. Germán pointed to the sky, acknowledging his uncle who had passed away just days before. The whole team grouped up for photos on the field, including Aaron Judge limping into the frame. It was a full team moment for a rare accomplishment that will be remembered in Yankees history.